An event's level decides how much every result on its card is worth, from ×1.0 to ×3.0. That makes it the most consequential decision in sanctioning, and the one KBN World HQ protects most carefully. Organisers can propose a level; HQ decides.
The five levels
| Level | Multiplier | What it typically looks like |
|---|---|---|
| National | ×1.0 | Athletes mainly from one country; national championship or domestic card |
| International Open | ×1.5 | Open entry with athletes from several countries |
| Continental Championship | ×2.0 | The championship of a continent, with national selections |
| KBN World Cup | ×2.5 | KBN's international series or invitation event |
| World Championship | ×3.0 | The world title event of the discipline |
What HQ considers
- Field: how many athletes, from how many countries, and at what standard.
- Selection: are athletes selected by national federations or qualification, or open entry?
- Officiating: certified referees and judges, a named supervisor.
- Medical cover: a ringside doctor and medical team present throughout.
- Rules: a clear ruleset for each discipline and category.
- Results: official, published, and confirmable.
- Integrity: no concerns about mismatches, conflicts of interest or irregular results.
Names do not decide levels
Calling a show a "World Grand Prix" does not make it a World Championship. The level reflects what the event is, not what it is called. A mislabelled event will be graded on its field and standard; if it overstated itself, it may be reduced.
Reduced multipliers and rejection
After an event, HQ can set a multiplier override lower than the level's default if the event did not meet standards, or reject it (×0). Overrides can only lower, never raise. Every change is audited and rankings recalculate immediately.
Why honest levels help organisers
- Athletes trust events that are graded fairly, and the best athletes choose events where results are secure.
- A reduced multiplier after the event damages the organiser's reputation more than an honest level before it.
- Consistent standards across events make every level meaningful.
Levels and athletes' points
| Level | Points |
|---|---|
| National | 30 |
| International Open | 45 |
| Continental Championship | 60 |
| KBN World Cup | 75 |
| World Championship | 90 |
Preparing a proposal
When you propose a level, include:
- Expected number of athletes per division and their countries.
- How athletes are selected (open entry, federation nominations, qualification).
- Officials: names, certifications and the supervisor.
- Medical cover: named doctor and team.
- How and where results will be published.
A well-documented proposal lets HQ decide quickly and reduces the chance of a later reduction.
What happens if the field changes
If the field ends up much thinner than proposed, for example because international athletes withdraw, tell the branch. HQ may adjust the level at sanctioning or apply an override after the event. Being upfront protects your event's reputation.
Myths and facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "World" in the name means World Championship level | Names do not decide levels |
| Inviting a few foreign athletes makes an International Open | HQ looks at the whole field |
| Levels can be raised later | Overrides only reduce |
| National events are worthless | They are ×1.0 and count fully in every table |
A proposal template
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Proposed level | International Open |
| Expected field | 60 athletes from 7 countries |
| Selection | Open entry with national federation endorsement |
| Officials | Certified referees and judges, named supervisor |
| Medical | Ringside doctor and medical team for all sessions |
| Results | Published on the organiser's site within 48 hours |
Building an event's level over time
Many events start at national level and grow. Keeping the same standards year after year (officials, medical cover, published results) and attracting a broader international field builds the case for a higher level. HQ looks at what the event actually is each time it is sanctioned.
Frequently asked questions
QCan I propose a higher level if I invite some international fighters?
You can propose; HQ decides based on the whole field and standard. A handful of foreign athletes on a domestic card does not make it an International Open.
QIs a level ever raised after an event?
Overrides only reduce. The level is set at sanctioning.
QCan two events in the same country both be national level?
Yes. Many events can share a level; there is no limit.
QDoes paying a sanction fee affect the level?
No. Fees relate only to administrative work and never affect a level, multiplier or any points.
Figures in this article are computed from the KBN register at the time of reading. View, like and share counters on this demo site are sample values.